calcium

noun

cal·​ci·​um ˈkal-sē-əm How to pronounce calcium (audio)
often attributive
: a metallic chemical element of the alkaline-earth group that occurs naturally only in combination and is essential to cellular functions in all known organisms see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of calcium in a Sentence

Her doctor said she should eat more foods that are high in calcium, such as milk and cheese.
Recent Examples on the Web This means Reese's Miniature Cups have at least some of the nutrients that peanuts have, including calcium, niacin, iron, potassium, zinc, selenium and vitamin E. Daryl Austin, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 These include vitamin C and B vitamins (like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folate), calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, manganese, chromium, sodium, and potassium. Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2024 Plus, it’s enriched with calcium and vitamins A, D, and B12. Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 9 Oct. 2024 Greek Yogurt With Berries Plain Greek yogurt contains about 20 grams of protein (40% of the DV) in a 7-ounce serving, along with calcium, vitamin B12, and probiotics.411 Add a cup of nutrient- and antioxidant-rich berries, such as raspberries, for 8 grams of fiber (29% of the DV). Johna Burdeos, Health, 8 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for calcium 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'calcium.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin calc-, calx lime

First Known Use

1808, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of calcium was in 1808

Dictionary Entries Near calcium

Cite this Entry

“Calcium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calcium. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

calcium

noun
cal·​ci·​um ˈkal-sē-əm How to pronounce calcium (audio)
: a silver-white soft metallic element that is found only in combination with other elements (as in limestone) and is one of the necessary elements making up the bodies of most plants and animals see element
Etymology

derived from Latin calc-, calx "lime" — related to calculate, chalk

Medical Definition

calcium

noun
cal·​ci·​um ˈkal-sē-əm How to pronounce calcium (audio)
often attributive
: a silver-white bivalent metallic element that is an alkaline earth metal, occurs only in combination, and is an essential constituent of most plants and animals
symbol Ca
see Chemical Elements Table

More from Merriam-Webster on calcium

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!